Air Risers
At 76, retired Colonel Vivek Mundkur, India's first hang glider pilot, defies age to fly a backpack paramotor after 17 years, reigniting his passion for flight and adventure.
In 2021, retired army Colonel Vivek Mundkur, an experienced paramotorist and India's first hang glider pilot, defies age and doubt by embarking on a daring adventure. At 76, he sets out to fly a backpack paramotor, reigniting his passion for flight after a 17-year hiatus. Despite concerns from many about the risks associated with such a daring venture at his age, Vivek finds unwavering support from fellow paraglider pilots.
Over 16 months, Vivek meticulously prepares himself under the expert guidance of Samson Dsilva at Space Apple Paramotor Training in Vasai, near Mumbai. Vivek undertakes multiple trips to hone his skills and ensure a safe return to the skies.
Synopsis
Teaser
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Updates
Air Risers was selected as one of the final 5 film projects in the Doc WIP Lab at NFDC Doc Film Bazaar 2024, held at MIFF 2024 in Mumbai, for an intense mentoring session with prominent industry editors and filmmakers. Read more
Air Risers (2026) was privately screened on March 29, 2026 in Pune for the people known to the cast and crew.
"After a long wait of 7 years, I finally had the chance to share the story of India’s first hang glider pilot, Lt. Colonel Vivek Mundkur, who in 2021 decided to fly again at the age of 76 after a gap of 17 years.
Even though it was a small crowd at the first private screening of Air Risers, the enthusiasm and love exceeded my expectations. One person in the audience became emotional while speaking to me after the screening, recalling his own longing to learn to fly. Another special moment for me was giving my first autograph to a lady. Many stayed back for heartfelt conversations.
It was an especially meaningful occasion as it marked 50 years since Vivek Mundkur took his first flight on a self-built hang glider at the Dighi Hills in Pune, in March 1976.
Thank you!"
- Bidit Roy
Director, Producer, Camera, Edit: Bidit Roy
Executive Producer: Swati Bansal
Music: Shaunak Kulkarni
Additional Camera: Sanchay Bose, Arjun Mundkur, Fahad Khan
Sound Design & Mix, Colorist, Graphics: Bidit Roy
This film holds a special place in my heart as it marks the moment I received my first award for a documentary film, presented by Vivek Mundkur at a 2019 film festival. His captivating recounting of his aviation journey and innovative spirit left me inspired. I was drawn to creating a film about India's first hang gliding pilot, but I aimed to avoid the clichés of a typical biopic.
In 2021, when Vivek announced his intention to fly again at 76 after a seventeen-year hiatus, I knew I had found the heart of our story. However, filming posed ethical dilemmas, especially considering the raw nature of paragliding/paramotoring. I prioritized Vivek's comfort and safety, giving him full control over equipment placement and flight decisions.
This film captures not just Vivek's journey but also the tight-knit paragliding community in India. The camaraderie among characters like Avinash, Dinesh, and Samson underscores the warmth and unity within this adrenaline-fueled world.
Crew
Director's Note
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